New Testament
Revelation 2:14
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus addresses the church in Pergamum, highlighting serious issues within the congregation.
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
But I have a few things against you, because you have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat food sacrificed to idols and to commit fornication.
But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus addresses the church in Pergamum, highlighting serious issues within the congregation. Some members are following the teachings of Balaam, a figure from the Old Testament who led Israel into sin by encouraging idolatry and sexual immorality. This teaching is likened to a stumbling block, causing believers to compromise their faith by participating in pagan practices, such as eating food offered to idols and engaging in fornication. The reference to Balaam serves as a warning against the dangers of mixing faith with worldly influences, which can lead to spiritual downfall. The church is called to recognize and reject these harmful teachings to maintain their purity and devotion to God. This admonition emphasizes the importance of staying true to biblical teachings and avoiding practices that can lead to moral and spiritual corruption.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Revelation 2:14 to your life
This verse encourages believers to be vigilant against teachings that contradict their faith. It serves as a reminder to evaluate the influences in our lives and to avoid practices that may lead us away from our commitment to God. Staying grounded in Scripture is essential.
Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Revelation 2:14 mean?
Revelation 2:14 addresses the church in Pergamum, warning them about members who follow the teachings of Balaam, which led Israel into sin through idolatry and sexual immorality. It highlights the danger of compromising faith by engaging in practices that contradict biblical teachings.
What is the teaching of Balaam in Revelation 2:14?
The teaching of Balaam refers to the encouragement of idolatry and sexual immorality, as Balaam led the Israelites to sin by advising Balak to tempt them. This teaching serves as a warning against mixing faith with worldly influences.
How does Revelation 2:14 apply to modern believers?
Revelation 2:14 encourages modern believers to be cautious of teachings and influences that conflict with their faith. It serves as a reminder to stay true to biblical principles and avoid practices that could lead to spiritual compromise.
What are the consequences of following the teachings mentioned in Revelation 2:14?
Following the teachings mentioned in Revelation 2:14 can lead to spiritual downfall and separation from God. It warns that compromising one's faith through idolatry and immorality can have serious consequences for a believer's relationship with God.
The Book of Revelation
Revelation 1: The Revelation of Jesus Christ
This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gives Him to show His servants things which must shortly come to pass, sent and signified by His angel to John, who bears record of the word of God. A blessing is pronounced upon those who read and hear the words of this prophecy and keep the things written therein, for the time is at hand. John writes to the seven churches in Asia, sending grace and peace from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, who washed us from our sins in His own blood. He declares Himself Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. John, in the isle of Patmos for the word of God, is in the Spirit on the Lord's day and hears behind him a great voice as a trumpet. Turning, he sees seven golden candlesticks and one like the Son of man among them, clothed to the foot, His head and hairs white as wool, His eyes as a flame of fire, His feet like fine brass, His voice as the sound of many waters, seven stars in His right hand, and a sharp twoedged sword going out of His mouth. John falls at His feet as dead, and the Lord lays His right hand upon him, saying, Fear not, I am the first and the last, He that liveth and was dead and is alive for evermore. He reveals that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven candlesticks are the seven churches.
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